Electricity Minister says SA's energy mix will drive down electricity costs
In his latest energy update on Monday, Ramokgopa said the government is embarking on an aggressive drive to boost its renewable energy capacity.
Minister of Electricity & Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says in time including more renewable energy to South Africa's energy mix - will drive down the cost of electricity.
He says this has already been proven true of the cost of solar and wind power over the course of six bid windows.
In his latest energy update on Monday, Ramokgopa said the government is embarking on an aggressive drive to boost its renewable energy capacity.
Ramokgopa says the government is toying with the idea of establishing solar and wind parks.
ALSO READ: As electricity prices rise, South Africans urged to find innovative ways to reduce costs
But the most immediate next major step in expanding renewable energy sources will l be to pursue battery storage.
"We expect the total of this bid window to be about 1,744 megawatts. These are gradual steps but I’m sure if we continue to perfect and get it right, I’m sure we can go large scale."
He says in time expanding renewable energy sources will not only benefit the environment.
"Now we are introducing battery storage. We are de-risking energy away from Eskom and finding new sources of electricity generation, and hopefully, over a period of time, we will see that benefit trickling to the end consumer."
Ramokgopa said ideally, the government would like to see more renewable projects introduced in areas like the North West and Free State - where capacity is currently low.